I am a permanent resident!

That's it - in the mail today, I received a letter from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, saying it in big bold capital letters, over a hand proudly waving the flame of liberty: I am now officially
WELCOME TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.



This concludes a process begun some 6 months ago; most of it was done since a while already, except one part, the background check. I should now receive my "Permanent Resident Card", a.k.a. "Green Card", shortly. Yipee!